Spina Bifida and Chiari Malformation
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In partnership with Primary Children’s Hospital Spina bifida and Chiari malformation Normal Chiari malformation Cerebellum Foramen Cerebellar magnum tonsils Spinal cord Brainstem What is Chiari malformation? A Chiari malformation can cause: In Chiari (kee-ARE-ee) malformation, the brainstem • The brainstem, spinal cord, and cerebellum to stop and cerebellum are pushed down because there is working properly less space in the brain. Because the normal flow of • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to stop flowing, which fluid is blocked, it builds up and increases pressure means less protection for the brain and spine on the brain. • Hydrocephalus (a buildup of CSF in the brain) There are four types of Chiari malformation. While type I is most common, type II is often associated How do I know if my child has with spina bifida. Chiari malformation? What happens when my child has If your child shows some or all of the following Chiari malformation? symptoms, have them checked for Chiari malformation: In a normal skull, the cerebellum (which controls balance) sits just above the spine. When the space for • Headaches the cerebellum is too small, part of the cerebellum • Difficulty breathing squeezes down the foramen magnum, a hole beneath • Not breathing (apnea) the skull. Part of the brainstem, which contains many nerves for the head, eyes, and neck, is pushed down • High-pitched noisy breathing (stridor) as well. • Problems swallowing or feeding (in babies) 1 • Arms that are weak and numb Chiari malformation symptoms are different at different ages. This table will give you the most common signs of Chairi malformation. Infants Poor feeding, not breathing (apnea), or arm weakness 10 years and younger High-pitched noisy breathing (stridor) Older than 10 Arm weakness, trouble breathing, and sometimes high pitched noisy breathing (stridor). If you notice any of these problems, tell your child’s healthcare provider. How is Chiari malformation How is Chiari malformation treated? diagnosed? There are a few ways to ease the pressure: An MRI is the best way to see a Chiari malformation. • Decompression surgery: This is the most This test uses a powerful magnet and radio signals to common treatment for Chiari malformation. see inside the body. Your child’s neurosurgeon will Your child’s neurosurgeon will make a cut at the determine when it is necessary to do this test. back of your child’s head and remove a small piece Once your child has an MRI, the neurosurgeon will of bone. This makes more room for the cerebellum and may relieve symptoms. The neurosurgeon may look at the images to see if your child’s brainstem also make a cut in the dura mater, the brain and looks abnormal and CSF is flowing. spinal cord covering, to make more room. If there is a Chiari malformation, fluid pressure can • Inserting a shunt: If your child has hydrocephalus, build up causing breathing problems and weakness. the neurosurgeon will insert a tube in their head to Treatment is needed to decrease fluid pressure. drain the excess fluid from the brain. Notes Intermountain Healthcare complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Se proveen servicios de interpretación gratis. Hable con un empleado para solicitarlo. 我們將根據您的需求提供免費的口譯服務。請找尋工作人員協助 © 2017 Intermountain Healthcare, Primary Children’s Hospital. All rights reserved. The content presented here is for your information only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, and it should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns. More health information is available at 2 intermountainhealthcare.org. Pediatric Education, Practice, and Research 801.662.3500 LTA318 – 08/17 Available in Spanish..